President Mike Maack welcomed the group with a discussion of the Trainer’s Spring Show on April 19 and the annual calendar publication. Members brought items to donate for the silent auction benefiting the Spring show. From tack, clothing, and decorator items to stud fees, members enjoyed the friendly bidding competition. A potluck luncheon was held prior to the colt exhibits.
The crowd was certainly captivated by the stately appearance and natural ability of Stormy Night of Pride R.W., sire of Chicago. Stormy Night is proudly owned by Richard Wise and is standing the 2003 season at his home in Monett, Mo. Richard also presented a two-year-old Pusher bred filly, Black Market Champagne.
Two three-year-olds braved the weather to make their first public appearance. Mike Maack exhibited a Pusher’s Bustin’ Loose stud colt to the crowd’s delight. This high-headed colt is owned by 4-J Land & Cattle Co., of Waynesville, Mo. Colonel Parker, owned by Patty Ayers was presented by husband, Stephen Ayers. Both Patty and Stephen are excited to be showing in the performance division this year with Colonel Parker.
Jerry Manes brought Tunica, the flashy two-year-old colt by Vegas. Tunica will soon be show bound for both open and amateur classes with daughter Sarah in the irons.
Brad Huffman’s winter efforts have paid off in his preparation of a beautiful blue-roan colt, Macho Blue. This eye-catching colt will certainly be creating comment during the up-coming show season. Jim Huffman kept quite busy himself with four two-year-olds. Ron Boyer lays claim to a black stud colt, Thorncrest’s PT Cruiser, while Karen McKinnis claims the half-sister, Thorncrest’s Chantilly. Both Karen and Ron are quite proud of these colts that they have raised and shown since weanlings. Competition will definitely be tough between these two fine colts.
Also displaying a lot of ability was Lite Jazz, A Jazz Man colt owned by Richard and Sarah Mitch. This filly will also be ready to make her show ring debut in the near future. Pusher’s Miss Copy was the final filly to make her presence known and the familiar phrase, “last but not least,” was certainly proven again. Mrs. Glen Campbell owns this fine filly. Jim Huffman prepares both of these fine colts.
With fingers, noses, and toes all numb, lucky bidders picked up the merchandise and services they won during the silent auction. The first show of the Midwest circuit is only a couple weeks away and after this preview, we are all left hoping for better weather.